Dynamic, hybrid, always in flux – modern-day employees need modern-day workspaces and office interiors to thrive in. As companies look to make workspaces more engaging for employees, they must go beyond R&R sessions and celebrations and find a more organic way to connect with their people. And this is where the activity-based working (ABW) model comes in.
Adding Soul to the Workspace with ABW
The ABW model is a revolutionary concept in workspace strategy; a design-driven solution that breaks away from the traditional cubicle setup. The model puts the employee at the heart of the design brief to create an environment that fosters performance rather than just clocking in during office hours. It primarily works on an open office layout, creating zones for specific tasks, similar to the way our homes are designed; a kitchen for cooking, a living room to host guests, etc.
Beyond building an “office”, ABW aims to create a collaborative ecosystem with open seating space for employees to interact and share ideas, quiet corners that facilitate focus and concentration, conference rooms to conduct team meetings, and so on.
As social beings, employees feel the need to engage more often, and being put in a cubicle restricts this interaction. With this realization, forward-looking companies are adopting ABW models as it breaks these barriers, promotes collaboration, and build a bond between team members and teams. Great for work, and even better for the mind, this openness in the layout helps in reducing stress, anxiety, and isolation.
A Win-Win in Workspace Design
The ABW model is a hit amongst companies, not just because it’s great for employee motivation, but it can also help businesses cut costs. One of the highlights of ABW is that it is cost-effective as it does away with the hassle of building walls and doors. Then again, as an increasing number of companies move to hybrid workplace design models, reducing workstations reduces operation costs. The use of natural light in these setups also plays a vital role in reducing power bills.
Then again, innovation is no good without scalability. The ABW model ticks both these boxes as an agile, flexible solution that accounts for the rearrangement of departments, an increase in headcount, and other similar situations. It also supports mobility with reduced fixed joinery and increased portable elements, making it a breeze to maintain.
While the ABW model offers a glimpse into the future of workspace design, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. While some industries can thrive solely on the ABW models, others might need a hybrid approach with traditional elements to render it effective. The key, as always, lies in thoughtful design and execution that does justice to it!
